Louisville Summer Bash returns

LOUISVILLE  Cloudy skies and muddy fields didnt stop the Louisville Summer Bash from returning for its fourth year this weekend.

The festival began Friday with an ice cream social and duck race.

On Saturday, firematics races filled the afternoon, with teams of firefighters from around the north country racing custom trucks, climbing ladders and assembling hoses in pursuit of the fastest times. Spectators watched from the bleachers, most cheering on the hometown Louisville Turtles.

We come usually just for the races. Ive been watching them for 40 years, said Shari M. Hartigan, Massena.

The first Louisville summer fest was held in 2010 to mark the towns bicentennial and was so popular it became an annual event.

We hang out with friends, meet up with a lot of people weve known for a long time, said Keely L. Pomainville, Louisville.

It takes plenty of volunteers and months of planning to make the three-day fest come together, said Summer Bash committee member Nancy J. Charleston. I call in all my friends and family to help, she said.